Classical Destinations

Renowned actor, writer and music specialist Simon Callow (“Rome,” Amadeus) leads a new experience in travel and storytelling: an exploration of the history and major attractions of some of Europe’s most beautiful destinations revealed through the lives and music of great classical composers who lived there. The armchair guide to classical music features Vivaldi’s Venice, the Salzburg of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the fjords of Norway evoked in music by Edvard Grieg, the Vienna that waltzed to Johann Strauss and more. Violinist Niki Vasilakis performs the music for each destination onscreen against dazzling High Definition images of each location, as the narrative demonstrates the interplay of the composition and the place of its creation, illustrating how these masterpieces reflect the cities today. The soundtrack includes compositions by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Puccini, Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi. Author/roving historian Matt Wills also hosts.